The Brazilian National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) and UNESCO's World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) have launched an innovative PhD scholarship program to foster international scientific collaboration. Open to researchers from developing countries, this initiative is set to shape the future of global scientific cooperation.
With applications closing on January 31, 2025, the program offers 50 full PhD scholarships across a wide range of fields, from agricultural sciences to artificial intelligence. Backed by R$ 8.6 million in funding, it represents a significant investment in cross-border scientific development.
The initiative stands out for its commitment to inclusivity, reserving spots for candidates from least developed countries and actively encouraging women researchers. This approach aims to diversify the global scientific community and bring fresh perspectives to complex issues.
Over the past 13 years, the CNPq-TWAS collaboration has supported 337 scholars from 29 countries, primarily in Asia, investing over R$ 31 million in research and education.
The CNPq/TWAS scholarship program provides a dual benefit: it allows foreign researchers to develop solutions for regional problems, contributing to the advancement of their countries, while simultaneously promoting the internationalization of Brazilian institutions, creating research networks and scientific partnerships that accelerate Brazil's innovation potential.More information and application details can be found here.
Event
calendar_today July 17, 2026
The AIR Centre took part in the Portuguese Science Summit Innovation 2026, held on 15–16 July at the Lisbon Convention Center, marking the first major event organised by Portugal’s newly established Agency for Research and Innovation (AI²).
Innovation
calendar_today July 16, 2026
On 15 July 2026, the AIR Centre took part in the official visit of Brazil’s Minister of Health, Alexandre Padilha, marking the formal launch of the Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz) Office in Lisbon. The new office is located in the same building that also hosts ApexBrasil, Embratur and Sebrae, reinforcing Brazil’s institutional presence in Portugal and expanding opportunities for bilateral cooperation.
Collaboration
calendar_today July 9, 2026
On 2 July, the AIR Centre hosted a meeting at its Lisbon office with the Comendador Anthony Bailey, Honourable Consul-General of His Majesty The King of Tonga to the Portuguese Republic. The discussion brought together AIR Centre Executive Director Miguel Miranda, Deputy Executive Director Mafalda Carapuço, and researcher Ana Faria, marking the beginning of a promising dialogue between the two nations.